Recover Deleted Vmdk From Datastore [ QUICK · COLLECTION ]

When VMFS journal recovery fails, use specialized tools (trial versions can scan for free):

: Determine the name and location of the deleted VMDK to streamline the recovery process.

Occasionally, a VMDK isn't "deleted" but simply "unregistered" or moved to a folder you didn't expect. recover deleted vmdk from datastore

Avoid creating new snapshots, virtual machines, or uploading ISOs to that specific datastore. Method 1: Recover via SSH (The Header Trick)

vmkfstools -U "orphaned.vmdk" # Remove stale lock cp .vh.sf/deleted-file-pointer.vmdk ./restored.vmdk When VMFS journal recovery fails, use specialized tools

Accidental deletion of a Virtual Machine Disk (VMDK) file from a VMware datastore is a critical incident that can lead to extended downtime or permanent data loss. Unlike simple file deletions on a desktop OS, VMDK deletions on VMFS (Virtual Machine File System) datastores do not send files to a "Recycle Bin." Immediate, correct action is required to maximize recovery success. This report outlines the causes, immediate response steps, technical recovery methods (including SSH/CLI and third-party tools), and preventive measures.

To ensure you never have to manually reconstruct a VMDK again, consider these safeguards: Method 1: Recover via SSH (The Header Trick)

Use a client like PuTTY to access the datastore path: cd /vmfs/volumes/DATASTORE_NAME/VM_NAME/